Don't Get Ripped Off on Championship Apparel

Retailers hope to cash in if the Gators pull out a victory. Some of them play by the rules when it comes to selling licensed merchandise. But other's don't.

Look for two basic things. The first is the Collegiate Licensing Company hologram that should be attached to a tag. The second is the registered trademark symbol next to any official Gators icon. But just because you don't have those two things doesn't mean what you are buying is illegal or that you aren't getting a quality product.

U-F Freshman Tara Jurgonski is one of many who doesn't notice if it's licensed when she is browsing.

"Just look at it," says Jurgonski. "If it catches my eye, then we are going to get it."

Christina Rodenwoldt at Gators Plus is familiar with the rules.

"Anything that has the official University of Florida logos on it is trademarked," says Rodenwoldt. "It has to go through the University of Florida and get approval for licensing."

So Albert is a trademark, but other gators aren't. Nothing outlawed by the NCAA at Gators Plus, but it could be a problem on the streets of Miami for unsuspecting fans.

Trinity United Methodist Church has put together a shirt to support Tim Tebow and his faith. The front of the shirt has a helmet that resembles Florida's, but with a focal point on the Philippians 4:13 bible verse eye black strips which Tebow wears in every game.

"They (the University Athletic Association) said this is fine," says Rev. Dan Johnson at Trinity UMC. "This is not particularly Gator. It's orange and it has some blue but our graphics guy was clear not to make it exactly like the Gator helmet."

Rodenwoldt says companies with licenses will be working overtime to have championship merchandise ready Friday morning should the Gators win Thursday night.